Harford candidate wants an apology

Sign flap prompts demand from Biggs

November 11, 2005|By JUSTIN FENTON | JUSTIN FENTON,SUN REPORTER

A Republican candidate for the Harford County Council is demanding an apology from his Democratic opponent, Councilman Dion F. Guthrie, after Guthrie took down the challenger's campaign signs that were posted next door to a Joppa residence where Guthrie was holding a fundraiser.

A half-hour before Guthrie's Oct. 29 campaign kickoff fundraiser was to begin, Guthrie said, he and his son, a Baltimore police officer, removed political signs for Chris Biggs from a neighboring residence because he said they were posted on BGE property.

Police were called to the scene by the neighbor, Robert Nadler of the 500 block of Anchor Drive, who said Guthrie was trespassing and had taken the signs from his private property. Guthrie told police Nadler assaulted him. No charges were filed, according to a police report.

Biggs, a political adviser who has been an aide to state Sen. Nancy Jacobs and who has announced his intention to run for Guthrie's seat next November, said he was surprised when told about the incident and said he wants Guthrie to apologize.

"I've never heard of an elected official going out ... and stealing signs out of the ground," Biggs said. He said Nadler had put up the signs with the express purpose of showing his dissatisfaction with Guthrie and the fundraiser.

Guthrie, the only Democrat on the council, held the fundraiser at the home of a friend. In attendance were U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin and Del. Mary-Dulany James, among others, Guthrie said. He said he would not apologize for taking down the signs.

"It was really a cheap trick put on by people who are running on the other side for my position," he said. "The signs were illegal. He's not getting anything from me."